CAREER SERVICES SPECIALIST - UPSTATE

Job Requisition ID: 57434 
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 09/15/2026
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title:  EXECUTIVE I - 13851 
Skill Option:  None  
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135 monthly; Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time  
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

***PLEASE UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS FOR VERIFICATION OF COURSEWORK***

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Career Services Specialist position is part of the Office of Illinois Works and the Career Services Team. It actively works with pre-apprenticeship graduates located throughout the state of Illinois. This position collects career data from graduates and does career planning to support their goals. At the same time, the position works with employers, apprenticeship programs, and other stakeholders in construction to find job and sponsorship opportunities for graduates. This position also interfaces with other Illinois Works programs and grantees to coordinate the delivery of career services for graduates. The Office of Illinois Works is a new bureau focused on brining equity and inclusion along with creating a viable and sustainable workforce pipeline in the construction industry and the trades. We welcome interested and qualified candidates wanting to be part of an innovative program focused on making a difference in the lives of Illinois residents to apply. You will be an integral part of a team focused on helping women, minorities, and veterans achieve their career dreams in the construction industry and the trades. We welcome all to apply.

Essential Functions

• Develops career plans and delivers complex career services to Illinois Works program graduates, applying professional judgement and knowledge of apprenticeship programs and their requirements. 
• Receives, reviews and analyzes, and processes contractor job orders and ensures that contractors receive lists of graduates who are ready and available to fill the offered positions.
• Designs and delivers technical assistance, training, and presentations to contractors, DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, and other construction stakeholders. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration. 
• Requires one (1) year of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or completion of an agency approved professional management training program. 

Specialized Skills

• Requires one (1) year of experience in job development working with employers preferably with contractors in the construction industry. 
• Requires one (1) year of experience working with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs preferably in the construction sector. 
• Requires one (1) year of experience working with students in enrollment/recruitment, supportive services, student support services, transition services, or counseling. 
• Requires one (1) year of experience in career counseling, careers services, or career planning. 
• Requires one (1) year of experience collecting and managing data along with creating customized reports based on specific requirements. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers one (1) year of experience in job development working with employers preferably with contractors in the construction industry. 
• Prefers one (1) year of experience working with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs preferably in the construction sector. 
• Prefers one (1) year of experience working with students in enrollment/recruitment, supportive services, student support services, transition services, or counseling. 
• Prefers one (1) year of experience in career counseling, careers services, or career planning. 
• Prefers one (1) year of experience collecting and managing data along with creating customized reports based on specific requirements. 
• Prefer basic level experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, preferably with experience in career planning systems. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history. 

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. 

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: View email address on us.fitly.work ( FOR INQUIRIES ONLY -  INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE )

Posting Group: Leadership & Management

This position DOES contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• View email address on us.fitly.work
• View email address on us.fitly.work